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Summary Report
Introduction & executive summary
The 91st session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) was held from 26 to 30 November 2012, at the
IMO headquarters in London. This briefing summarises subjects discussed which are relevant to the work of
Lloyd's Register.
The following were concluded for entry into force on 1 July 2014
Amendments to the SOLAS Convention – Chapter II -1, II-2 and the Appendix with regard to the forms of
the certificates
New SOLAS Regulation III/17-1
Amendments to the FSS Code
New Code on noise levels on board ships
Amendments to the IBC Code – chapters 17, 18 and 19 (entry into force on 1 June 2014)
Amendments to the Protocol Of 1988 Relating To The International Convention On Load Lines, 1966, As
Amended - Annex I, Chapter III (Freeboards), Regulations (27/11) and 27/(13)
Amendments to the International Convention On Load Lines, 1966 (Annex I and new Annex IV)
Amendments to the 1978 SOLAS Protocol with regard to the forms of the certificates
Amendments to the 1988 SOLAS Protocol with regard to the forms of the certificates
Amendments to Performance standard for protective coatings for dedicated seawater ballast tanks in all
types of ships and double-side skin space of bulk carriers (MSC.215 (82)) &
Performance Standard For Protective Coatings For Cargo Oil Tanks Of Crude Oil Tankers (Resolution
MSC.288(87)) – editorial change only as consequences of the introduction of the ESP code.
MSC resolution on Implementation of SOLAS regulation III/17-1 on ships other than those engaged in
international voyages
MSC Circular the Guidelines for the development of plans and procedures for recovery of persons from the
water.
There was progress on guidelines for how Administrations and others can consider and approve proposals for
risk-based equivalent or alternative ship or system designs. There was also consideration of how IMO can take a
risk-based approach to the development of regulations, and elements were identified for inclusion in future
guidelines on developing a safety level approach. IACS updated the IMO on progress of the harmonised
common structural rules for bulk carriers and oil tankers, including the plans for each society to make a
submission for IMO’s verification against the GBS guidelines.
There were updates on casualty investigation of the Costa Concordia incidents. Taking into account information
made available, MSC 91 prepared draft amendments to the SOLAS convention regarding operational matters
that will improve safety of passenger ships. These proposed amendments will be adopted at MSC 92 for entry
into force on 1 January 2015. MSC 91 also revised an MSC circular on recommended interim measures for
passenger ships to enhance safety of passenger ships for introducing revised muster policy, briefing, policy for
navigation bridge access, record of passenger nationality and boat drills.
Details of discussions
Interim Guidelines For Determining Minimum Propulsion Power to Maintain The Manoeuvrability of
Ships in Adverse Weather Conditions (MSC-MEPC.2/Circ.11)
MSC 91 approved the draft MSC-MEPC circular prepared by MEPC 64. For details of this development, please
refer to Lloyd’s Register’s report on MEPC 64 found at
http://cdlive/information/default.asp?preOpen=Classification News
MSC 91 adopted mandatory instruments as introduced below which will enter into force on 1 July 2014.
Readers are to note that, among these amendments, new SOLAS regulation II-1/3-12 requirement noise
measurements and compliance has significant impact on new ship construction. Shipowners and ship managers
are to note retroactive requirements introduced by SOLAS II-2, such as the provision of two two-way portable
radios for each fire-fighting team and an onboard plan and procedure for recovering a person from water as
required by the new SOLAS regulation III/17-1.
SOLAS Convention
Regulation II-1/3-12 – Protection against noise & Code on noise levels on board ships
This new regulation requires applicable ships to be constructed to reduce onboard noise and protect people on
board in accordance with the new Code.
The new Code has mandatory and recommendatory parts. The majority is mandatory but the recommendatory
parts are stated at the beginning of the Code (paragraph 1.1.3). The Code includes requirements for measuring
equipment specifications and use, information about how measurements are taken, limits on exposure to noise,
measures to be taken in high noise areas, information about acoustic insulation in accommodation spaces and
hearing protection options.
Application:
Regulation II-1/3-12 and the “Code on Noise Levels Onboard Ships” will be applicable to ships of 1600GT or
above, based upon the following criteria:
Ships satisfying the following criteria should comply with the requirements of existing regulation II-1/36, the text
of which has been included in the new regulation II-1/3-12; consequentially II-1/36 will expire on 1 July 2014,
when II-1/3-12 will enter into force.
o contracted for construction before 1 July 2014 and constructed on or after 1 January 2009 but
before 1 January 2015; or
o in the absence of a building contract, the keels which were laid or at a similar stage construction on
or after 1 January 2009 but before 1 January 2015
The code is not applicable to ship types mentioned in paragraph 1.3.4 of the code, as shown below.
The new Code has mandatory and recommendatory parts. Paragraph 1.1.3 of the code clearly states that the
requirements in the following paragraphs of the code are recommendatory in nature:
Regulation II-2/1
MSC 91 adopted amendments to Regulation II-1, to clarify that the amendments introduced by Resolution MSC.
308(88) to chapter II-2, paragraph 23 of regulation 3 and paragraph 4.1 of regulation 7 only applies to ships
constructed on or after 1 July 2012. It also clarifies that the all other regulations of SOLAS Chapter II-2 will apply
to ships constructed on or after 1 July 2002.
Regulation II-2/9 - Fire integrity of bulkheads and decks of ro-ro spaces (including special category
spaces) and cargo ships
For cargo ships, it was proposed that the fire integrity of bulkheads and decks between ro-ro spaces or vehicle
spaces of such ships as prescribed in the present tables 9.5 and 9.6 of SOLAS chapter II-2 should be increased
from the present “*h” to “A-30” class.
For ro-ro spaces on passenger ships carrying no more than 36 passengers, it was proposed that the fire integrity
of bulkheads and decks between ro-ro spaces or special category spaces of such ships, as prescribed in present
tables 9.3 and 9.4 of SOLAS chapter II-2, should be increased from the current “A-0” to “A-30” class.
Intended for new ships (both ro-ro passenger ships carrying less than 36 passengers (regardless tonnage) and ro-
ro cargo ships (500 gt or over)) constructed on or after 1 July 2014.
FP 55 found that the systems should be installed for the protection of all internal combustion machinery in
Category A machinery spaces and not just machinery used for the ship’s main propulsion and power generation.
For that reason, In regulation II-2/10.5.6.3.1, the words "used for the ship's main propulsion and power
generation" are deleted.
This requirement will apply to new passenger ships of 500 gross tonnage and above and cargo ships of 2000
gross tonnage and above, constructed on or after 1 July 2014.
2. Fire-Fighter’s Outfits (audible alarm device to notify low air pressure in SC BA cylinders)
MSC 91 adopted amendments to regulation II-2/10.1, to clarify that Self Contained Self-contained compressed
air breathing apparatus of fire-fighter's outfits shall be fitted with an audible alarm and a visual or other device
which will alert the user before the volume of the air in the cylinder has been reduced to no less than 200 litres,
as required by amendments introduced to with paragraph 2.1.2.2 of chapter 3 of the Fire Safety Systems Code.
Application: This requirement will apply to all ships (not just tankers) and they all shall comply with this
requirement by 1 July 2019
MSC 91 adopted amendments to SOLAS Regulation II-2/10.4, to clarify that a minimum of two two-way
portable radiotelephone apparatus for each fire party for fire-fighter's communication shall be carried on board.
These radio devices shall be of an explosion proof type or intrinsically safe.
Application: This requirement will apply to all SOLAS ships constructed on or after 1 July 2014. Existing ships
should comply with this requirement, not later than the first survey after 1 July 2018.
Cargo ships and passenger ships carrying not more that 36 passengers will require either (a) an onboard means
of recharging breathing apparatus cylinder used during drills; or (b) a suitable number of spare cylinders to
replace those used during drills.
This amendment applies to new and existing cargo ships of 500 gt and above and passenger ships carrying not
more that 36 passengers. The requirements will enter into force 1 July 2014
Regulation II-2/20 - Fixed gas and water spraying fire-extinguishing systems for vehicle spaces, ro-ro,
container and general cargo spaces
Piping design requirements for fixed gas fire fighting systems for vehicle spaces and ro-ro spaces which are not
special category spaces and for container and general cargo spaces were clarified in Chapter 5 of FSS Code. FSS
code Chapter 7 was amended to include requirement for vehicle, ro-ro and special category spaces.
The amendments applies to ships constructed on or after 1 July 2014 with vehicle spaces ro-ro and special
category spaces.
III/17-1 - Recovery of persons from the water & associated resolution and circular
New regulation III/17-1 requiring all ships to have ship-specific plans and procedures for the recovery of persons
from the water was adopted. The plans and procedures shall identify the equipment intended to be used for
recovery purposes and measures to be taken to minimize the risk to shipboard personnel involved in recovery
operations.
This applies to new SOLAS ships constructed on or after 1 July 2014 and to existing ships by the first periodical
or renewal safety equipment survey after 1 July 2014.
The forms of certificates and associated records were also updated to align with the updates of the technical
requirements.
FSS Code
The amendments require fitting breathing apparatus with an audible alarm and a visual or other device which
would alert the user before the volume of the air in the cylinder has been reduced to no less than 200 litres. (see
amendments to regulation II-2/10.1, item 2 above )
The requirement applies to ships constructed on or after the date 1 July 2014 and to existing ships by 1 July
2019.
These amendments clarifies that the spaces to be protected by fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems should be
provided with means that automatically give audible and visual warning of the release of CO2. In addition,
adjacent spaces not separated by at least A-0 class divisions with independent ventilation systems should be
considered as the same space. Further, the amendments state to avoid moving containers completely from their
fixing position when checking remaining quantity and for other types of extinguishing media, suitable surface
indicators may be used.
Chapter 7 - Fixed Pressure Water-Spraying and water-mist fire-extinguishing systems-sections 2.4 and
2.5
Chapter 8 - Automatic Sprinkler, Fire Detection And Fire Alarm Systems - section 2.5.2.3
Sprinklers shall be placed in an overhead position and spaced in a suitable pattern to maintain an average
application rate of not less than 5 l/m2 /min over the nominal area covered by the sprinklers. The amendment
clarified that “nominal area” cover by sprinklers is to be taken as the gross horizontal projection of the area to
be covered.
Chapter 9 - Fixed Fire Detection And Fire Alarm Systems - section 2.2.1, 2.2.2, 2.2.3, 2.2.4, 2.2.5, 2.3.1.2,
2.3.1.3, 2.3.1.5
This amendment incorporates the unified interpretation contained in MSC/Circ.1120 related to heating of diesel
driven power sources and other means of starting
These is amendments applies to new ships of 1000 gt or above contracted on or after 1 July 2014 (cargo ships
of 2000GT and above and passenger ships less than 1000 GT)
This amendment incorporates unified interpretations contained in MSC.1/Circ.1120 relevant to FSS Code chapter
13 addressing the size of landings and intermediate landings.
The amendment includes clarification of the supply rate of foam solution and foam concentration needed on
tankers as indicated by the carriage requirements of SOLAS II-2 and the IBC Code. Additional foam concentrate
is to be provided if the deck foam system is supplied by a common line from the fire main. Chapter 14 now
indicates when type B foam concentrates and type A foam concentrates shall be applied and also prescribes that
foam concentrate supplied on board shall be approved by the Administration for the cargoes intended to be
carried. Incorporation of unified interpretations contained in MSC/Circ.1120 relevant to Ch. 14 regarding
capacity, use and handling of deck foam systems.
The revised chapter applies to new tankers constructed on or after 1 July 2014. Readers should note that for
tankers carrying chemicals in bulk listed in Chapter 17 of the IBC Code having a flashpoint not exceeding 60
degree Celsius (closed cup), the rate of supply of foam solution shall be as required by the IBC Code.
IBC Code
The revised IBC code chapters 17, 18 and 19 were adopted at MEPC 64. The amendments were adopted by the
MSC 91. The entry into force date is 1 June 2014. This applies to all chemical tankers.
Primary discussion points and amendments made to the code are as follows:
In total 43 new cleaning additives were presented and 29 accepted for Annex 10 of MEPC.2/Circ. series
MEPC.2/Circ series – Provisional classification of liquid substances transported in bulk, and other related
matters
2 new products were assessed: a discrepancy with regards to fire-fighting requirements for
Hexamethylenediamine (molten) was identified. The new information will be in LIST 1 of the MEPC2/Circ 18
on 17 December 2012, all countries, no expiry. OLOA49819 16/3/3 by SINGAPORE for LIST 3 of the
MEPC.2/Circ 18 all countries, no expiry.
Inconsistencies in carriage requirements noted for a number of entries in chapters 17 and 18 of the IBC
code including undertaking a review relevant chapter 21.
Fully assessed LIST 1 MEPC.2/Circ 17 will go to Chapter 17 or Chapter 18, respective of their application.
Missing column I products were updated
Amendments to the Protocol To The International Convention On Load Lines, 1966, As Amended
The amendment provides clarification on the filling of ballast tanks, also that damage stability calculations are
not required to be carried out for service loading conditions. Two methods for considering the free surface effect
are given in detail: a virtual correction method and a method for using actual free surface moments.
Amendments apply to ships which have to comply with the damage stability requirements of the Load Line
Convention, e.g., those assigned to reduced freeboards..
As the guidelines for enhance survey programme (A.744.(18)) is now replaced with the 2011 ESP code, editorial
changes were made to the following instruments.
Performance standard for protective coatings for dedicated seawater ballast tanks in all types of
ships and double-side skin space of bulk carriers (MSC.215 (82))
Performance Standard For Protective Coatings For Cargo Oil Tanks Of Crude Oil Tankers
(Resolution MSC.288(87))
Although the agenda item name covers new ship construction standards, MSC 91 considered the concept of
GBS more widely. There was further development of “Guidelines for the approval of equivalents and alternatives
as provided for in various IMO instruments”, which are intended to provide a consistent process for the
coordination, review and approval of alternative and equivalent ship and system design. Some relatively minor
changes were made, and other topics were identified for a following correspondence group to take further.
MSC 91 also considered the topic of interim guidelines for developing the safety level approach (SLA), which
relates to IMO taking a risk-based approach to the development of regulations. Some items were identified for
inclusion in these guidelines, but further meetings will be needed before a draft is developed.
MSC 91 noted an update provided by IACS on the progress of the harmonised common structural rules and the
plans for each society to make a submission for IMO’s verification against the GBS guidelines. This relates to
SOLAS regulation 3-10, Goal-based ship construction standards for bulk carriers and oil tankers, adopted by
MSC.287 (87) and the resolution on the guidelines for verification of conformity with goal based ship
construction standards for bulk carriers and oil tankers (MSC.296(87)).
Following the unfortunate capsize of the large cruise ship Costa Concordia in January 2012, the IMO Secretary-
General has pledged that lessons from the incident were considered and appropriate actions were taken in light
of those findings. MSC 91 was invited to consider comments and proposals on passenger ship safety submitted
by Member States and international organizations, and may establish, as decided at MSC 90, a working group
on passenger ship safety.
Amendments to SOLAS regulation III/19.2.2 and III/19.2.3 were approved with regard to mustering for ships
where passengers will be onboard for more than 24 hours. This was with a view to adoption at MSC 92 in order
to allow time for DE to review aspects of drill requirements featured in 2.3 and ensure a final chance to review
consistency between the two paragraphs at MSC.
The group agreed that requirement for bridge control is adequately covered by existing SOLAS regulation V/15.6
together with the interim guidance on passenger safety provided by MSC.1/Circ.1446 and appropriate safety
management systems. It was noted that this was an issue that relates to all ship types.
It was agreed that resolution A.893(21) Guidelines for voyage planning be reviewed as a long item. In the
interim an amendment have been made to MSC.1/Circ. 1446 addressing circumstances under which changes to
the voyage plan can be made consistent with Company policies put in place.
A long term work plan was introduced with regard to a requirement for the nationality of all persons onboard to
be recorded. Originating as a recommendation from the cruise industry, issues with regard to ro-ro operations
will need to be considered.
The recommendation that companies have in place a policy for at least one lifeboat be filled with crew members
at least every six months in order to further enhance training and familiarity with equipment was agreed.
In support of the above, MSC.1/Circ. 1446 will be revised to include the proposals culminating from the CLIA
cruise ship safety review on operational and management areas. New revisions are expected in the future as this
excellent work continues.
Document MSC 91/19/7, concerning a review of passenger ship training and competence was discussed,
recognising that the mandatory minimum requirements have not been amended in a long time. It was found
that the training requirements were not consistent with other training programs and as such it was agreed to
submit an agenda to STW 45.
Advice to clients
Lloyd’s Register recommends owner, operators, equipment suppliers and shipbuilders continue to monitor
developments since there are both short and long term agendas in place.
Applicability
Revisions to SOLAS and the other instruments mentioned affect owners and operators. shipbuilders and
equipment suppliers should continue to monitor developments
What is LR doing?
Lloyd’s Register continues to monitor the reports from the Costa Concordia. We keep our clients informed on
information we collect from continually reviewing our own practices and by participating in forums that look to
support the industry in promoting ways to further enhance safety.
Matters emanating from STW 43 (held in April-May 2012) were considered in this session. The following is the
discussion relating to the work of Lloyd’s Register.
MSC 91, having reviewed the outcome of the STW 43, approved amendments to the draft amendments to the
code. These amendments address elements, such as “major non-conformity”, safe manning.
MSC 91, in approving the text prepared by STW 43, added the following footnotes:
"The footnotes given in this Code are inserted for reference and guidance purposes and do not constitute
requirements under the Code. However, in accordance with paragraph 1.2.3.2, all relevant guidelines, etc.,
should be taken into account. In all cases the reader should make use of the latest version or revision of the
document specified in a footnote."
It is expected that these amendment will enter into force on 1 July 2015.
Draft Assembly resolution on Revised Guidelines for the structure of an integrated system of
Contingency planning for shipboard emergencies (resolution A.852(20))
to assist companies in translating the requirements of the regulations into action by making use of the
structure of the integrated system;
to integrate relevant shipboard emergency situations into such a system;
to assist in the development of harmonized contingency plans which will enhance their acceptance by
shipboard personnel and their proper use in an emergency situation;
to encourage Governments, in the interests of uniformity, to accept the structure of the integrated system as
being in conformity with the provisions for development of shipboard contingency plans as required by
various IMO instruments, and to refer to these Guidelines when preparing appropriate national legislation.
MSC 91 reviewed the outcome of NAV 58. The following are the major issues:
Limited use of camera meeting IEC standard is acceptable in lieu of ensuring visibility for specific ship type (ship
of unconventional design). MSC.1/Circ, 1350 is revised accordingly.
Draft MSC resolution on the Performance Standards for Electronic Inclinometers with a view to
adoption by MSC 92
MSC 91 noted that NAV 58 circulated a circular (SN/Circ. 312) informing anomalies observed within ECDIS. In
order to address this matter further a new work programme was discussed under agenda item 19.
MSC 91 also noted effort made by IHO and outcome of the workshop of Original Equipment Manufacturers
(OEM).
Some delegations expressed concerns that ECDIS equipment was not compliant with the ECDIS performance
standards and that an MSC resolution was necessary to provide flexibility relating to ECDIS carriage
requirements. In this context, others were of the view that, as the issue of operating anomalies was being
addressed by the IMO and IHO Secretariats, and the industry through CIRM delegation, there was no perceived
need for an MSC resolution and that the Secretariat should continue its efforts and keep the Committee
updated regularly.
The IHO observer, advised that it was unaware of any ECDIS in use at sea that could not be used to meet the
carriage requirements, notwithstanding that a limited number required a software upgrade in order to work
optimally, and that there were no safety implications involved. Lastly, IHO would continue its efforts, along with
IMO, to address any operating anomalies by convening further workshops and meetings with OEMs.
MSC 91 recalled that MSC 90 did not approved the proposed amendment to the regulation as the proposed
amendments prepared by the NAV Sub-Committee was not the task given to the Sub-Committee, i.e., it was not
“clarification” of the requirements but significant change to the requirement.
MSC 91 reviewed the outcome of the NAV 58 and noted that there was no conclusion on this issue at NAV 58.
MSC circular on early implementation of the amendments (02-13) to the IMSBC Code
DSC Sub-Committee is working on the development of scheduled to the IMSBC code to avoid casualties
emanating from “liquefaction”. Amendments 03-15 will enter into force 1 January 2017. It was decided to
encourage implementation of the amendment at an earlier date to ensure safety of the carriage of solid bulk
cargo.
Draft amendments to SOLAS chapter III/19 related to enclosed space entry and rescue drills
Entries into enclosed spaces are serious threat to life of personnel working onboard. IMO adopted Assembly
resolution A.1050 (27) for the recommended measures. The amendments require drills for entry into enclosed
spaces and rescue of personnel from such spaces. It was also recognized that the same problem occurs in other
Draft amendments to the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC), 1972
Amendments relating to marking s, one door off operation, structure, and inspection etc. of container were
approved for adoption at MSC 92.
Formal Safety Assessment (FSA) is a structured methodology which the IMO uses to enhance maritime safety
through risk analysis and cost benefit assessment. MSC 91 considered the report of the Experts Group on FSA
and other submissions.
The FSA Experts Group (EG) was convened in the week before MSC 91. It reviewed two FSA studies; one on
crude oil tankers and one on sea transport of dangerous goods. The known ongoing problem of a lack of
casualty data being submitted to IMO’s GISIS was recognised again. MSC 91 agreed that GISIS should be
enhanced to allow for better inclusion of root cause analysis data, and encouraged member states to submit
casualty data to GISIS. The EG generally agreed that both FSA studies were conducted in accordance with the
FSA guidelines, and MSC 91 agreed that some of the risk control options from each study should be taken
forward for further consideration by relevant sub-committees.
After some modifications from the previous draft, MSC 91 approved an MSC-MEPC circular on the “Revised
Guidelines for Formal Safety Assessment (FSA) for use in the IMO rule-making process”, and an MSC-MEPC
circular on “Guidelines for the application of Human Element Analysing Process (HEAP) to the IMO rule-making
process”. They are now being forwarded to MEPC 65 (May 2013) for concurrent approval.
Despite this, there is some remaining disagreement over the way in which environmental criteria can be factored
into an FSA, specifically the costs to society of an oil spill. This issue is likely to be considered further in future
sessions.
MSC 91 considered reports on acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships reported to IMO since MSC 90,
together with a regional analysis and other information. The committee noted the recent downturn in piracy off
the coast of Somalia but was concerned that this was not a reason for complacency and further noted the
worrying signs that piracy was spreading and becoming more violent. Amongst notable incidents in particular
the plight of the crew of the MV Iceberg who had been held for over 900 days was discussed. The importance
of accurate, up to date information was highlighted.
Work of ISO
MSC 91 noted the completion of the vote on the new ISO Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 28007 and
thanked ISO for their work and encouraged stakeholders to use the PAS.
Circulars
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